Signs of labour or just BH?

I am 39+2 and have been having what I assume are BH this evening since about 8.30pm. They are quite a painful tightening over my bump but the pain is quite concentrated low down - where you would experience period pain. They don't seem to have a pattern to them but some of them have been quite painful where I have had to get up and change positions.

Just wondered if these do sound like BH or if this could be the beginnings of labour? I remember reading that BH can be uncomfortable but not painful and that you don't get many at one time whereas these are quite painful and have been happening for almost hrs.

Sorry, I'm not sure but I didn't want to leave you!I'm 39+3 and have been experiencing BH for a couple of days now (which is a great relief because I finally feel like something is happening!) Mine haven't been painful or localised, just tightening with a little discomfort. Is the lower pain a dull ache? Or stabbing pains?I'm really hope this is the real deal for you!Good luck!

You could well be in the early stages, but until the contractions form a regular pattern, you are probably not in actual labour. You will know soon enough. But if you are at all concerned, the advice would always be to call the labour ward or your midwife, depending on what care you are booked for. Good luch and let us know how it goes. Xx

With both my pregnancies I had what sounds like this about a week before I went into proper labour. They were more then hb but not labour pains as such. I'd get some rest though as it could kick off soon but like badmum said, they won't be 'labour' until they are more consistent.

How are you getting on this morning Madallie and Hope? I have been experiencing the same since late last night. Slept on it but they are still happening. Doesn't feel like established labour but then it doesn't feel like regular BH either. I'm only 35+6.First time mum here so it's difficult to know I noticed that my bump dropped in the week and it has further dropped overnight.

My BH were like this and I even had the odd one I had to properly breath through (like contractions) but didn't develop into a proper pattern of (painful) contractions ie I'd have the odd painful one w lots of noticeable ones.

Hi all, still oregnant here! Elaine subsided at about 1am after I went to bed last night. Today have had vague episodes of period type pains, a few BH but nothing like yesterday. This little on is really teasing me!

Been bouncing in my ball a but tonight but tbh not sure this really helps. Did it loads when expecting dd but had a sweep on my due date in the end and think that's what started it all off for me.

Mine have lessened Hope to a dull ache and a tightening every few hours. I contacted the labour ward and she said to keep an eye on it and call back if it continued. As it happens, I have a consultants appointment tomorrow so I will mention it then. Apparently how long were you getting these before you went into labour or at what stage of your pregnancy?

Hi. I had Braxton's that were like this during the last few weeks. My real contractions (at 41+1 - 3 days ago ) were much stronger and (cliche I know) just 'obviously' real contractions as they were so intense right from the first one.

I can't sleep.I feel terribly nauseous and I'm having very sharp stabbing pains "down there". I had the same for the last few nights but tonight they're very painful (I use that word lightly knowing that I'm yet to experience the 'real' pain!) Occasional tightenings but no more than 4 in the last hour.This is unpleasant, especially because I know it is probably going to amount to nothing COME ON BABY!!!!

I'm sorry to say I hadBH for 3 weeks before DD arrived but it was really 12 days of them being v noticeable. 5 days before having her, I was awake 2 nights back to back in pain but each time i'd have eg an hour of erratic pain and then they'd ease. I was sure things were kicking off. We even went to hospital and I cried when they said it was just BH.

I'm wishing labour for you! 12 years ago right now I'd just gone into labour (at, iirc, 38+4) with my lovely (though currently a bit moody and getting greasy) ds! Great day for a birthday. Wishing you lots of luck xx

I'm 39 and have been having BH since 37 weeks omg they are sooo annoying! My first baby so no idea what to expect from the real thing! Hope your baby comes soon I know I'm getting more impatient every day but will come when they are ready I suppose! Think I've tried nearly everything now haha

Had a scan today and was told that I had reduced amount of amniotic fluid but nothing to worry about. The consultant wouldn't really comment on the tightenings I had at weekend but then I suppose from hearing on ladies experiences that every experience is different. I had a couple BH this morning with period pain so although it's different from this time last week it's not as consistent as it was at weekend. From the scan the baby is engaged. Feels like he keeps head-butting my cervix wince!